Most Manchester United fans were amazed when it was announced that David Moyes, who had won nothing in his career, would be replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.

In a summer when Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho were looking for new clubs, it’s incredible that United opted for Moyes over someone of a proven world-class calibre.

From the moment he joined the club Moyes seemed overawed by the task at hand, and who could really blame him. Having only been at Preston North End and Everton before United, he had no preparation for taking charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Moyes’ mistakes were numerous and have been well documented, but his mentality was probably the biggest problem. From talking about trying to make it difficult for Newcastle when they came to Old Trafford to claiming United aspired to be like Manchester City, his attitude was all wrong.

After United fans followed Ferguson’s instructions and supported the manager, the 2-2 home draw against Fulham was a turning point for many Reds. United attempted over 80 crosses, which was more than in any single Premier League game for any club in seven years, and didn’t even score from one. When United came out for the second half and continued to keep pinging crosses in to the box, the fans were utterly bemused. How could Moyes not see this tactic wasn’t working? Why wouldn’t he change it? Did he know how he wanted the team to play and had he made this clear to them?

After the game, Fulham defender Dan Burn said: ‘I was saying to the lads I haven’t headed away that many balls since the Conference!’, whilst Rene Meulensteen, the coach that left United when Moyes got the job, called United’s tactics ‘straightforward’ to defend against.

All of United’s players regressed under Moyes’ leadership, perhaps with the exception of Danny Welbeck whose improved goal tally should be credited to playing more games up front in the absence of the injured Robin van Persie, which speaks volumes.

David Moyes looked out of his depth as United manager (Picture: Getty Images)

Now, United have Louis van Gaal, a world class manager who has won the title with every club he’s been at, in three different leagues, and Moyes’ failings are highlighted all the more.

Van Gaal has changed the formation straight away and has worked on this so well in training that in the pre-season friendlies he can play a different 11 players in the second half and they’re all just as competent at fitting in to the new tactics. So often it was difficult to see what Moyes was trying to achieve and what he wanted the players to do, but there’s no doubts over what Van Gaal’s vision is.

When talking about the differences under life with Moyes compared to Van Gaal, Wilfried Zaha was much more complimentary over the new manager’s style.

This manager will tell you exactly how he wants it. He won’t beat around the bush or not tell you anything. He’ll just tell you and that helps you, instead of isolating you or just not telling you. He will let you know exactly where you are and what you are doing wrong.

United looked like headless chickens last season. Now there is a clarity and a defined purpose. Moyes and Van Gaal are almost complete opposites of each other, which is certainly a cause for celebration amongst United fans.